Historvius

The Historvius Brief

The client had taken the project through an initial scoping stage but needed Webdezign to provide the technical skill to code and create the website and content management system (CMS). They also needed creative input for the logo and look of the site. Having worked with us on several previous occasions, they turned to us to provide this expertise. The undertaking was extremely complex. It involved building an intricate database, integrating a variety of technologies and developing multifaceted functionality, but the end result had to be user friendly and straightforward. They also needed to be able to moderate uploaded sites and other user contributions quickly and efficiently.

Development

The first step was to analyse and interpret the brief provided by the client and to understand the required functionality. We worked closely with the client, spending time to determine the way in which the site was to work. We then began to identify the technical tools we could use and the methodology we would employ to achieve the client’s objectives. In addition to general technologies such as HTML, CSS 2, Javascript and PHP with a MySQL database, this site required very specific applications.

Google Maps Functionality

One particularly complicated element of building the site was its use of Google Maps functionality. The site was to use API (application programming interface) in order to connect with Google Maps and for this application to interact with the client’s database, such as to dynamically place markers and information on a Google Map. Users would even be able to click on the markers as shown on the map to see a short description of the sites they represent, a complex aspect of development and one on which our team worked together to devise. Furthermore we used the API to manipulate the data shown by the map. For example, when showing the results of a search, the Historvius map automatically zooms in or out to fit the area in which the sites are contained. So, if the sites are close together, the map will be zoomed further in and, if they are far apart, it will zoom out to the required area.

Flash and HTML

One of the most important elements of web development is to recognise and use the appropriate technology as and when required. This was particularly important in the case of the Historvius itinerary planner. Having initially designed this in HTML, we soon found that we needed a more institutive technology for the complex action this application performed. Not only were sites to be dragged and dropped into the planner, but the map also had to show where these sites were and to allocate them to different days in the itinerary according to the user’s preferences. Following an extensive amount of testing and technical trials, we advised the client and rebuilt it in Flash.

Design

Our graphic design team helped the client formulate the colour scheme for the site as well as creating their logo.

The Result

Historvius has now launched in Beta and the client is delighted with the results. All of the functions flow seamlessly together, offering users an exceptional experience and creating a clear, entertaining user journey. The client was particularly pleased with the simplicity of the CMS, especially as it performs such as wide range of functions and allows them to moderate uploaded sites and other contributions quickly and efficiently.

Webdezign have been fantastic every step of the way and we’re so happy with the final product. From coming up with ways to do the impossible to dealing with new ideas and bespoke systems, they’ve always been friendly, professional and extremely helpful. We knew we had gone with the right team when we were selected to be featured on BBC Click.